4N / 5D3 stops
Kashmir in Winter
Snow, kangris and kahwa: two nights in Gulmarg for the gondola, snow play or a first ski lesson, and Srinagar under snow on either side.
SrinagarGulmargSrinagar
Price
On request
quote on WhatsApp
Kashmir guide · Packing
Things to carry for a Kashmir trip.
Layers in every season, real winter gear from December to February, and the documents and phone rules that catch visitors out.
Every season
Layers
Winter
Thermals and grip soles
Must carry
Original photo ID
Phones
Postpaid SIMs only
The short answer
Layers, a warm jacket, and your photo ID.
Even in summer, Gulmarg and Sonamarg are much colder than Srinagar and evenings are cool, so pack layers and a fleece or light jacket. From November to February you need thermals, a down jacket, gloves, a woollen cap and waterproof shoes with grip. Carry original photo ID throughout, and note that prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu & Kashmir do not work here; postpaid ones do.
Written by Shahid Parvez Khan, founder of Falcon Trails and a Kashmir guide since 2010 · last checked
What to wear, season by season
| Season | Daytime in Srinagar | What to pack |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Cool to mild | Sweaters, a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain layer |
| Summer (May–Aug) | Warm | Cotton clothes, a fleece or light jacket for evenings and altitude, sun hat, sunglasses |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Mild, cold nights | Layers, a warm jacket, a woollen cap for mornings; full winter wear by November |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold, often below zero at night | Thermals, down or padded jacket, gloves, cap, woollen socks, waterproof shoes with grip |
Documents, money and phones
- Original government photo ID for every adult, carried every day. Hotels, checkpoints and the Gondola ask for it. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa.
- Prepaid SIM cards from other states do not work in Jammu & Kashmir. Postpaid connections do. Tell anyone who needs to reach you.
- UPI and cards work in Srinagar and the resorts. Carry cash for shikaras, ponies, union taxis and village stops.
- Print or save your hotel confirmations and itinerary offline; signal is weak in Gurez and some valleys.
Easy to forget
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: the sun at altitude and on snow is strong.
- Lip balm and moisturiser: the air is dry, especially in winter.
- A scarf or stole for shrines such as Hazratbal; modest clothing is appreciated everywhere.
- Your regular medicines, plus something for motion sickness on mountain roads.
- A power bank. Winter cold drains phone batteries fast.
What not to bring
- Drones, unless you have checked the current rules: flying is restricted around much of the region.
- Satellite phones: they are illegal in India without a licence.
- Heavy snow boots bought for one trip: gumboots and snow gear can be hired in Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
Itineraries that fit
Start from one of these.
Each is reshaped around your dates, flights and group, and quoted in writing before you pay.
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4N / 5D4 stops
Kashmir Essentials
The classic first Kashmir trip, planned properly: a houseboat night on Dal Lake, Gulmarg and its gondola, and a night in the Lidder valley at Pahalgam.
SrinagarGulmargPahalgamSrinagar
Price
On request
quote on WhatsApp
6N / 7D5 stops
Kashmir with Family
An unhurried week for children and grandparents: short drives, two nights in each base, a houseboat, Gulmarg, the Lidder valley and an easy day in the Doodhpathri meadows.
SrinagarDoodhpathriGulmargPahalgamSrinagar
Price
On request
quote on WhatsApp
Questions
What people ask us.
What should I wear in Kashmir in May?
Light cotton for Srinagar by day, plus a fleece or light jacket for the evenings and for Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
Do I need to buy snow boots?
No. Gumboots, snow jackets and gloves can be hired at Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Bring warm socks and shoes with good grip for walking in town.
Will my mobile work in Kashmir?
Postpaid connections from any state work. Prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu & Kashmir do not.
Is there a dress code?
No formal one, but Kashmir is conservative. Modest clothing is appreciated, and a scarf is needed at shrines.
Plan your Kashmir trip
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